Engagement Photo Sessions
© John Morris PhotographyIn recent days, engagement photo sessions have become more and more popular among newly engaged couples. While these pre-wedding shoots have been around for quite a while, they have only recently started to become a mainstream trend. Part of the reason is because engagement sessions no longer have to be traditional. Years ago, engagement photos were simply treated as traditional portrait sessions for couples. But today there are no rules - they can be as fun and creative as you want them to be. Many photographers have started treating engagement photography more like fashion photo shoots.
Why professional engagement photos?
You may be asking, "Why should I have engagement photos done if I will be taking professional wedding photos anyway?" There are plenty of reasons why so many couples are choosing this option. First let's be clear about one thing - engagement photo sessions are completely different from the photographs that you will be taking on your wedding day. This applies to both the images as well as the entire experience.
For one, your own private photo session will give you a chance to meet and get to know your photographer before the wedding if you haven't already. This way you can get acquainted and comfortable with one another. It also allows your photographer to capture the real you, as you are, before the big day. Remember that engagement photos are really all about you so dress it up or down however you like.
One of our couples were big into mountain biking, so for their engagement photos they decided to wear their biking gear and ride a downhill trail at Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City. The pictures came out great and everyone raved about how different they were.
If you have not yet selected a photographer but are considering a particular person or company, this is the perfect opportunity to preview their work and personality. Book an engagement session with that person or company. Then, based on the quality of the images and how well you work together, you can decide whether or not you want that photographer to shoot your wedding.
Most importantly, an engagement session allows you and your future spouse to spend some quality time together. Often times during the wedding you will be busy with family, friends and guests. It is a wonderful occasion, but you won't have lot of time to yourselves. You will not only learn what to expect from your photographer during the photo shoot, but from each other as well. If one of you is not quite as comfortable in front of the camera as the other, what better time to practice how to loosen up? There's absolutely no pressure.
How can we use engagement photos?
Aside from the wedding images, many couples won't have any other professional photos of themselves. This is a wonderful time to be together in a relaxed atmosphere and have some fun, not to mention you will have some beautiful photos to show for it. The photos can be included in your wedding album to create a beautiful, complete story that you can look back on years later.
If like most couples, you are looking for a fun way to entertain your guests during the wedding reception, consider using the photos as part of a slideshow. Reception slideshows have become a favorite choice because they are personal, easy to put together as well as operate, and they beckon for everyone's involvement in an unobtrusive way. The slideshow is something that your photographer can easily put together. However, if you are computer savvy, you can also create one on your own. The best part is that all of your guests will enjoy viewing photos of the newlyweds on a big screen.
Another option is to use the images in a guest book where guests can sign on the day of the wedding. Your photographer can put together a beautiful custom guest album with blank space for signing along with your engagement photos. This is one of the more popular options because it makes a great memorabilia and everyone will enjoy looking through your photos during the wedding.
If you want a display piece, you can select one or two of your favorite photos from the engagement session to be enlarged and displayed at your wedding. The cocktail hall or gift table is a great place for this. Rather than a guest book, you can opt to have a signature mat around the enlargement where guests can sign. Usually, if your photographer is providing the enlargement, he or she can also provide an easel for the photograph.
These are just a few of the ways that engagement photos can be used. There are many great reasons to have professional engagement photos taken, it should come as no surprise that so many couples are seeking this option. If you are interested in learning more about engagement session, or to book a session, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
